Jaca

Jaca, city, Huescaprovincia (province), in the communidad autónoma (autonomous community) of Aragon, northeastern Spain, on the plateau on the southern bank of the Aragon River, just south of the French border. Of ancient origin, the city was captured by the Romans in 194 bc and surrounded by walls, which, with medieval additions, still partly stand. In 716 it was taken by the Moors and, under the name of Dyaka, was one of the principal cities of the province of Sarkosta (modern Zaragoza). Retaken by the Christians in 760, Jaca was declared a “city” by King Ramiro I of Aragon (1035–63) and was the first capital of Aragon. An episcopal see, Jaca has notable landmarks that include the Citadel (Ciudadela), begun in 1593 and in a state of perfect preservation; the 11th-century cathedral; and the town hall in Plateresque style (1544). Jaca’s economy is based on agricultural trade, but the service industry, especially tourism, has grown in importance. Jaca’s location in the Pyrenees Mountains makes it a prime base for skiing and other recreational activities. Pop. (2007 est.) mun., 12,759.